Making a quilt…..one stitch at a time.

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Monthly Archives: March 2017

If you are in the mood for some stitching inspiration (who isn’t?), make a big pot of tea and head over to Through The Needle’s Eye. I had the privilege of meeting Kara and Teri at The Academy of Applique. Their latest blog post has many photos from The Academy. Hopefully you will be tempted to come next year!

As promised, here is Block 7, The Cornucopia of Flowers. It just may be my favourite block so far:) This block and the previous 6 are part of a BOM I launched in September. You can read about the details here.

This is a relatively simple block, but there are a few things I want to show you. First, this little fern appears to be a little dicey, but it is very doable. Just take your time and remember to breathe:) Note to self: it is time to replace the cover on your pressing mat.

Next, there are two leaves that require some reverse applique. First, I prepped the “top” piece as usual.

Then I placed that piece on top of another piece of green fabric. I stitched the vein in the centre of the leaf then I trimmed the excess fabric underneath and glued the two-tone leaf in place. Such a nice, subtle detail.

These next stem/leaf units are fairly easy to do, also. The curves are a little on the deep side, so clip carefully:)

Once the piece is totally prepped, it is time to remove the freezer paper.

And, finally, glue the piece onto the background:) Looking good!

These are all 7 blocks so far. Scrumptious, yes? I am starting to give some thought to what colour sashings and stars to do. So many choices!

If you attended this years Academy of Applique, held at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia (February 27-March 4, 2017), I think you will agree with me when I say that an absolutely amazing time was had by all! I was fortunate enough to have a great bunch of eager students in both of my classes, so, of course, the days flew by. A few of the students almost finished their project by the time the class was over! If you dream of stitching all day long (who doesn’t?), being fed the most satisfying breakfasts and lunches, and getting to know some fellow hand-appliquers, then please consider attending next year’s Academy. Seriously, it is the place to be! Class schedule is available August 5, 2017 and Registration begins on September 4, 2017. It is never to early to start planning 🙂

You are now able to purchase the patterns and/or kits for both of the projects I taught at The Academy. You can check them out on my website Simple Bird Studio. These 18″ x 36″ wallhangings are the first two in a 12 part series that celebrates my love of lovely flowers and fancy vases. The remaining 10 patterns will be released every couple of months on my website.

A Taste Of Lilies….

Crazy For Callas…..

Also, some of you have been asking if Bed of Roses will be available again as a BOM. The answer is yes. Yes! You have from now until June 15, 2017 to sign up for this BOM on my website. Block 1 will ship out on July 1, 2017. The fabrics will be the very same ones that I used in my quilt below. I still cannot get over the machine quilting that Rose Bell from Fancy Feathers did. Check it out!

And here is the entire quilt before it was quilted. Yummy!

Also….I am temporarily taking down the patterns for “To Everything There Is A Season”. I would like to tweak the patterns a little before I add them back to the website. I promise, it won’t take long 🙂 I will let you know as soon as they are available for purchase.

And last, but not least, I am almost finished Block 7 of the current BOM (I must confess I am running a little behind schedule). We are stitching 9 blocks from Sue Garman’s “Friends of Baltimore” and putting those blocks together using the setting for Baltimore Squared. I cannot wait to see this quilt finished!

I will post a picture of the finished block in a day or two (probably two!), but for now, I will leave you with this photo:)

Check out my new website!

I am a quilter who is passionate about Hand-Applique. If I inspire just one person, my job will be done!! I am thrilled to share my quilts with a (hopefully!) appreciative audience.....my family just rolls their eyes!
I live in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.